Keven Pauling
Summer Watering
July can be very stressful for plants in our desert climate, so be sure your watering system is working properly and set for summer and that all the heads are working. Go to our website (kevenslandscap.com) for videos and instructions on how to set your timer. Remember, it is best to water early in the morning before it gets too hot.
Palms
Palms are especially vulnerable to the summer heat if they are not getting the proper amount of water. Be sure your watering system is set to saturate the root system. I’m currently watering my established palms with my automatic drip system every five days for three hours. Do not fertilize palms during the hot part of the summer (fish emulsion would be an exception).
Citrus
Trees that are new or have been pruned so the sun shines directly on the trunk for more than a few hours a day should be protected. Paint the trunk with a white interior latex paint or wrap it with burlap or another breathable material.
Insects
Watch for spider mites, especially on evergreens and roses. You will most likely notice little bitty webs that look more like dust before you see the actual mites. The good news is that a little soap and water sprayed on the plant (when the sun is not directly on the plant) will keep them in check.
Lantana
These plants will start to cycle in to the fruiting stage, which is the third cycle of growth after new growth and flowering. This stage can cause the plant to look unattractive and scraggly but, if you lightly prune the tips about three to five inches, the plant will respond with new growth, followed again by flowers, which is the prettiest and longest lasting cycle and the one that makes them so desirable.